DrugXpert Blog

Blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of the arteries by circulating blood. High blood pressure is when the pressure exceeds what is termed normal. This is also called hypertension. There are two types of pressure exerted by the blood on the arteries. They are systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the pressure exerted on the arteries by circulating blood when the heart pumps blood around the arteries. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on the other hand is the pressure the circulating blood exert on the walls of the arteries when the heart is at rest. When the heart is at rest, blood from the veins flows inside. SBP is always higher than DBP. To put it in simple terms, hypertension is high mean arterial pressure. This can happen when the volume of blood in the arteries is too high or heart rate is too fast and strong or blood vessels too tight or blood vessels too thick. Read Also : Meaning of blood pressure measurement Hypertension is a disease...

There is a growing trend in Nigeria where medical personnel opt to give diclofenac potassium over diclofenac sodium in hypertensive persons. The theory behind this practice is that there is evidence of the effect of sodium in increasing hypertension when potassium does reduce hypertension. Well, the reason sounds logical but as a scientist, let us put in our thinking cap and analyse these data's separating facts from fiction. Class And Indication Of Diclofenac Diclofenac is a non steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) agent. It is used to treat pain and Inflammatory conditions. It is available as ear/eye drop, oral, parenteral and creams. It's use in children is not recommended but some still give children. It is indicated for arthritis, sprains, strains, etc. It is an over-the- counter medicine in Nigeria. Read Also : Causes of stomach ulcer Mechanism Of Action Its mechanism of action is the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX I & II). One of the functions of COX is the ...